Parents who leave their car running while on the school run may face fines under new plans to cut air pollution.

Both the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence and Public Health England have said that “No-idling zones” should be placed outside every school, hospital and care home to protect people from toxic fumes.

Westminster Council has already introduced the "no-idling zones" with enforcement officers now able to issue motorists with a £80 Penalty Charge Notice if they leave their engines running while parked there.

The council revealed that leaving a car idling for one minute produces enough exhaust emissions containing harmful chemicals to fill 150 balloons.

The new plans were made to reduce air pollution

Both National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and Public Health England (PHE) said the zones would help shield those who are most at risk from air pollution, including children aged 14 and under, people aged 65 and over, and those with conditions such as asthma or heart problems.

The guidance says bylaws could be introduced as a way to enforce no idling.

Deb Holland, assistant head teacher at Pingle Academy, in Swadlincote, believes the zones could be a positive step forward for the environment.

She said: “If no idling zones are able to cut pollution then their introduction could be one way forward in cutting overall air pollution.

“Air pollution is a risk to health and their use outside schools, hospitals and care homes especially, coupled with the additional recent Government suggestions of planting trees, supporting cycling and encouraging the use of electric vehicles, seem reasonable suggestions.”

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The shocking statistics have also revealed that air pollution kills 25,000 people a year in England.

Professor Paul Lincoln, chief executive of UK health forum and chairman of the NICE guideline committee, said: “Air pollution is a major risk to our health and so far, suggested measure have not managed to tackle the problem sufficiently.

“The guidance is based upon the best evidence available. It outlines a range of practical steps that local authorities can take, such as the implementation of no idling zones, to reduce emissions and protect the public.

“I hope that this guidance will prove influential in reducing the amount of air pollution we are exposed to every day.”

Pollution kills 25,000 people in the UK each year

The guidance, aimed at councils, staff working in transport, employers, health workers and the public, also aims to raise awareness of cutting car journeys through more walking and cycling.

It also suggests ways to promote driving “in a style that minimises emissions by avoiding rapid accelerations and decelerations - and ensuring the vehicle is correctly maintained”.

The guidance also says that where traffic congestion is contributing to poor air quality, council should consider incorporating a congestion charging zone within a clean air zone.

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RAC roads policy spokesman Nick Lyes welcomed the plans. He said: “No-one should have to suffer dirty air as a result of a driver leaving their engine on unnecessarily. Sadly, many drivers don’t realise the harm they are causing by doing this.”

Dr Penny Woods, of the British Lung Foundation, said: “This will help to protect the most vulnerable in our society.”

Air pollution: What we know

Ninety-two per cent of the world’s population live in places where air pollution exceeds safe limits, according to research from the World Health Organization (WHO).

Air pollution is the fourth-largest threat to human health, behind blood pressure, dietary risks and smoking.

There were an estimated 6.5 million deaths worldwide from air pollution related-diseases in 2012.

Although children are most affected by air pollution, we are all at risk.

Five days into 2017, annual air pollution limits in London were breached.

Air pollution costs the UK £20 billion a year.

The best time to run or job is first thing in the morning, before the day’s traffic affects air quality.